Black Image and
Representation
Over
the course of Unit One I have learned about various interesting topics, however
the idea that stood out to me the most was the topic of black image and
representation. I wasn’t even aware of the true extent of the problem until it
was brought to my attention. While reading Bell Hooks she raises awareness
about the negative view of blacks particularly black females in the media. The
media promotes European standards of beauty, as black women we can only be seen
as beautiful when we have white features or if we have exaggerated features
such as big butts or huge lips and then are characterized as unintelligent sex
symbols. Rarely do you see black women portrayed in the media as classic
beauties. We’ve all heard of Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, but what about
Dorothy Dandridge or Lena Horne or Diahann Carroll. Why aren’t these women as
well known and adored?
An
image is representation, perception or a captured moment which is very
important and can be persuasive and powerful. Images are significant because
they help determine how we see ourselves. This a huge problem in today’s
society where black people are not represented in the media. For example once I started searching I was hard pressed to find a
black super hero, the only ones I could find were Storm from X. Men and Static
Shock.
All of these Marvel characters and not a
single black person can be found on the poster, they even have a green man and
a man made out of rock but no African Americans.
Black images are marginalized. In addition,
black characters are static and rarely grow on screen. Black characters are
often portrayed as thugs pimps, or strippers, and are rarely shown in a
positive light. Even in the news the media reinforces the negative stereotypes
the public has regarding people of color and upholds the ideals of white
supremacy. For example if a black person commits a crime the media will
automatically portray them as a villain and smear their character. However when
a white person commits that same crime they find the least incriminating photo
and give details to humanize the person.
Frustrated with these constant
stereotypes black filmmakers such as Oscar Michaux Spike Lee and Charles
Burnett began making race films. Race films allowed us to tell our story
authentically. However when was the last time any of them have
produced a film, it is still so important that black filmmakers continue to create
and portray positive and well-rounded characters.
